Construction Machine Crawler Position Detection for Stable Width Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction machines with crawler units face issues in reliably detecting the interval between crawler units, leading to potential instability during work due to incorrect or insufficient interval adjustments, and existing detection systems lack simplicity in wiring.
Innovation Solution
A construction machine with a pair of crawler units and an expansion/contraction device that uses a position detection unit with sensing target parts and sensors, allowing direct contact-based detection without complex wiring, and a moment limiter that sets stability limits based on detected positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a detection mechanism is provided in a movable part to detect the interval between crawler units, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity and wiring complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical detection mechanisms with a simple mechanical detection system. A detection plate is provided on the movable crawler unit, and detection pins extend from the fixed crawler unit. When the interval changes, the detection pins mechanically contact the detection plate to directly indicate the interval state, eliminating the need for complex sensors, wiring, and electrical components while maintaining reliable detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system utilizes the existing mechanical structure and movement of the crawler units themselves to perform the detection function. The detection pins and plate are integrated into the expansion/contraction mechanism, so that the normal operational movement of the crawler units automatically activates the detection function without requiring separate power sources, control systems, or additional actuators.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interval between crawler units is reduced for transport, then adaptability for transportation is improved, but stability during work deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interval adjustment system where the distance between crawler units can be changed based on operational requirements. The expansion/contraction device allows the crawler units to be moved relative to each other, enabling the machine to transition between a compact configuration for transportation and an expanded configuration for stable work operations. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different conditions at different times.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the interval between crawler units is increased for work stability, then work stability is improved, but device complexity increases due to detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electrical detection mechanisms with a simple mechanical detection system. A detection plate is provided on the movable crawler unit, and detection pins extend from the fixed crawler unit. When the interval changes, the detection pins mechanically contact the detection plate to directly indicate the interval state, eliminating the need for complex sensors, wiring, and electrical components while maintaining reliable detection.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Provided is a construction machine capable of reliably detecting the widthwise positions of a pair of crawler units without complicated wiring. The construction machine includes a lower traveling body and an upper turning body. The lower traveling body includes a car body, a pair of crawler units, an expansion/contraction device that changes a unit interval between the pair of crawler units, and a detection unit. The expansion/contraction device can fix the pair of crawler units at each of pairs of unit positions. The pairs of unit positions include a pair of full contraction positions involving the smallest unit interval and a plurality of pairs of width enlargement positions involving respective unit intervals different from each other. The detection unit includes a sensing target part and a plurality of sensors corresponding to the unit positions, respectively, to detect the unit positions. One of the sensing target part and the plurality of sensors is fixed to the car body and the other is supported by one crawler unit of the pair of crawler units to be moved widthwise together with the one crawler unit.